Can Virtual Psychiatrists Prescribe Medication?
Virtual psychiatrists can prescribe medications to patients. However, if you are getting care from a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist who is not licensed in your state, you will not receive a prescription from this provider. Virtual psychiatry can help you access mental health treatment in the comfort of your home or on the go.
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Medications Commonly Prescribed By Virtual Psychiatrists
According to psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Dr. David Puder, psychiatrists operating in a virtual capacity can prescribe medications, including controlled substances. Some of the most commonly prescribed types of drugs for treating mental health disorders are the following:
- Antidepressants: The most commonly prescribed medications for depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin, which helps stabilize mood and happiness.
- Anti-Anxiety: Benzodiazepines are a type of medication commonly used to treat anxiety and a range of other mental health conditions. Benzodiazepines treat overstimulation in the brain that is associated with anxiety.
- Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics can be prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There are two classes of antipsychotics: typical and atypical. These types of antipsychotics differ in how they work, their side effects, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Stimulants: Prescription stimulants are medicines generally used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and uncontrollable episodes of sleep (narcolepsy). Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy levels by increasing the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.
Below we outline some brand name and generic antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, and stimulants that a virtual psychiatrist may prescribe.
Medications To Treat Mental Health Disorders
| Antidepressants | Anti-Anxiety | Antipsychotic | Stimulant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prozac (fluoxetine) | Xanax (alprazolam) | Abilify (aripiprazole) | Adderall (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine) |
| Celexa (citalopram) | Klonopin (clonazepam) | Zyprexa (olanzapine) | Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) |
| Zoloft (sertraline) | Valium (diazepam) | Clozaril (clozapine) | Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) |
| Paxil (paroxetine) | Ativan (lorazepam) | Haldol (haloperidol) | Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) |
Sources: MedlinePlus, MayoClinic, Good Therapy, Cleveland Clinic
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Ashley Brooks works in Healthcare Consulting and graduates with her MPH in September of 2022 from George Washington University, but graduated with her B.S. in Health Science from James Madison University in 2019. Ashley has been with Mira since June of 2021 and shares the passion for creating affordable healthcare coverage for all!